AUSVEG welcomes today’s announcement by the Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon. Don Farrell, of the membership of the Trade Diversification Network (TDN) as part of the Australian Government’s $50 million Accessing New Markets Initiative (ANMI).

Australian vegetables for sale in a Thailand supermarket. Credit: AUSVEG

The TDN, which includes AUSVEG leading efforts on behalf of the vegetable industry, will leverage the combined capabilities and expertise of national peak industry bodies and Austrade to identify and progress specific and targeted export initiatives as part of ANMI.

ANMI’s aim is to support industries across the Australian economy to develop and strengthen new and existing export markets in collaboration and coordination with Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments and industry.

AUSVEG CEO Michael Coote said the announcement of the TDN is a welcome step towards encouraging further export development activities, initiatives and diversification across the Australian vegetable industry, which exports around 200,000 tonnes of fresh produce annually.

“AUSVEG welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Trade Diversification Network through Austrade with a view to unlocking and developing new export business opportunities and markets for Australian vegetable growers under this Government initiative,” said Mr Coote.

“Developing international trade opportunities for growers in the Australian vegetable industry has remained a longstanding priority for AUSVEG for more than a decade, and in light of current domestic business and operating pressures facing Australian vegetable growers, the need to diversify is more important than ever.

“AUSVEG’s participation in the Trade Diversification Network is a significant opportunity to build on our already-strong partnership with Austrade and will complement our existing export development program delivered in partnership with Hort Innovation. This welcome development will deliver material benefits to Australian vegetable exporters and contribute to the long-term viability of Australia’s vegetable industry.”

A Dubai supermarket stocked with fresh Australian vegetables. Credit: AUSVEG.

As a long-time supporter of government’s trade liberalisation agenda and international trade development efforts, AUSVEG congratulates the Government on the commencement of the TDN as part of the ANMI program and looks forward to working closely with Austrade to ensure the benefits are maximised for the Australian vegetable industry.”